2002 Acura RSX -- Body and Interior

OVERVIEW
The bodywork of the RSX leaves no doubt in the minds of beholders:
clearly, this is a car designed for the driving enthusiast.

From its rakishly angled hood to its broad stance, deep chin
spoiler, combination headlights, and sleek, wind-cheating lines, the
RSX says "speed" even when standing still. Yet the car's dramatic
presence derives every bit as much from function as from form.
Compared with the Acura Integra, the sleek RSX boasts a drag
coefficient improved by 4 percent - making the RSX the most
aerodynamic coupe in its class. In addition, the RSX's coefficient of
lift is less than the Integra's.

Contoured window glass in the doors and quarter panels helps the
RSX slip effortlessly through the air - and also provides exceptional
visibility for all occupants. In front, unique headlights lend a
distinctly "Acura" look to the nose, while neatly integrated
cylindrical taillights accent the rear. A smoothly integrated
liftgate raises easily to reveal a spacious cargo hold.

Inside, the stylish RSX cockpit has been carefully crafted to meet
the needs of spirited drivers. A wide instrument pod with large,
metallic-face analog gauges surrounds the driver. Deeply sculptured
seats provide excellent comfort and support during cornering
maneuvers. A thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel offers exceptional
comfort and fits the driver's hands like a racecar wheel.

Luxury touches abound. Standard conveniences include an Automatic
Climate Control System, power windows and outside mirrors, a keyless
entry system with engine immobilzer, and two premium audio systems: a
6-speaker system with in-dash CD player (RSX), and a 7-speaker
Acura/Bose® Music System with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and
cassette player (Type-S). Rich leather seating surfaces are also
available (standard on Type-S).

Greatly improved torsional and bending rigidity compared to
the Integra

Tightly controlled noise and vibration

Computer-designed structural reinforcements

Significant reductions in body-panel fit tolerances

NVH Control

Extensive sound insulation

Melt sheets added to the floor to reduce interior noise

Urethane foam seals roof-pillar cavities

Newly developed door-trim seals

Comfort/Utility

Generous interior head, leg, shoulder, and hip room

Heat-rejecting window glass

Spacious cargo area (17.8 cubic feet)

Large glove box and abundant storage bins and pockets

Easy-access liftgate with reduced lift effort

Corrosion Resistance

Double-sided galvanized steel in all high-corrosion areas

Anti-chipping primer applied to leading edges of hood and
fenders

PVC and wax sealer applied to underbody

EXTERIOR STYLING
The RSX features an aggressively styled front end, a broad-shouldered
stance, and a cabin-forward posture. Yet the design is every bit as
practical as it is compelling. A neatly integrated liftgate affords
easy access to the rear cargo area, while the smoothly bowed door and
quarter-panel glass contributes to superb visibility and outstanding
aerodynamics.

Short overhangs front and rear add to the lean, purposeful
appearance, while clever packaging provides abundant cabin room for
the driver and passengers. New combination headlights and a
five-sided grille lend the RSX a decidedly "Acura" face.

PRECISE FIT AND FINISH
With the combination of new manufacturing techniques at the Sayama
factory in Japan and the advanced design system, fit tolerances of
the RSX have been reduced to extraordinary new levels of precision.
The bumpers, door and tailgate openings, and body panels - all
reflect an entirely new level of fit and finish. The result is a more
solid and integrated appearance, one befitting the RSX's
sophisticated image.

UNIT BODY STRUCTURE
To provide the best-possible ride, handling, safety, and NVH control,
the RSX unit body was designed for maximum torsional rigidity without
excess weight. To accomplish this, Acura engineers performed
extensive computer analyses using the NASTRAN stress-analysis
program. Then, in creating the final structure, the engineers
specified a high percentage of lightweight yet strong high-tensile
steel - and further enhanced rigidity using numerous strategically
placed reinforcements. The result: the RSX is 35 percent better in
bending rigidity and 116 percent better in torsional rigidity than
the Integra it replaces.

NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH)
The engineers of the RSX set out to create an automobile of
outstanding quietness and refinement. To reduce high-frequency road
noise, for instance, the RSX features carefully developed door-trim
seals. Further reducing noise are a new styrofoam-molded cover over
the spare tire, noise-insulating carpet, asphalt-based melt sheets in
the floor and trunk areas, gap-sealing urethane foam in the front
pillars, and a dashboard insulator to isolate the cabin from engine
noise.

CURVED WINDOW GLASS
For the doors and quarter-panels of the RSX, Acura engineers opted
for subtle, compound-curved glass that both improves the car's
smoothly integrated look and enhances its aerodynamic performance. In
order to realize the lightweight goals of the RSX, the side and rear
glass is thinner and lighter than the Integra's.

INTEGRATED HEADLIGHTS
The face of the RSX has a decidedly Acura appearance, thanks in part
to new headlight system that advances the "round" image of the
last-generation Integra. The design incorporates four lamps - low
beam, high beam, turn signal, and position light - into a multi
reflector and side reflex reflector behind a single clear lens.
Headlight brightness, beam-width, and range are noticeably improved
compared with the Integra. At the rear, neatly integrated taillights
complement the sporty image of the headlights.

CABIN OVERVIEW
The roomy interior of the RSX has been carefully designed to be
attentive to the needs of driving enthusiasts while also providing
comfort and amenities for all passengers. A bold, driver-oriented
instrument array delivers critical vehicle information at a glance
while also lending a decidedly racy air to the interior. Deeply
sculptured seats offer rewarding support and lasting comfort.
Standard cabin luxuries include an Automatic Climate Control System,
power windows, a keyless entry system, and premium audio systems.
Rich fabric with simulated suede is standard in the RSX, while
hand-selected leather is available as an option (standard on Type-S).
For exceptional versatility, the RSX is equipped with 50/50
split-folding rear seats that greatly extend the cargo capacity of
the cargo area.

INTERIOR STYLING
The RSX is a driver's car. Large, analog gauges are arrayed in a pod
that angles toward the driver. A thick, leather-wrapped steering
wheel begs to slice up a mountain road. All controls are in easy
reach. Stylish materials lend a sporty, even slightly aggressive
flavor to the cabin environment. Above all, the RSX cockpit is highly
personalized, outfitted with controls designed for rewarding tactile
feedback and shapes that enhance the "driver's machine" theme.

SEATS
The solid, deeply sculptured front bucket seats of the RSX are built
to provide exceptional support during even the most enthusiastic
driving. Deep side bolsters provide superb lateral support during
hard cornering maneuvers, while firm back and bottom cushions
stabilize occupant posture and deliver excellent support during
acceleration. Integrated headrests contribute to the sporty,
functional appearance of the front seats.

In back, the RSX is equipped with comfortable 50/50 split-folding
seats and, between them, a convenient storage tray for sunglasses and
other small items.

Cloth inserts with simulated suede trim are standard on the RSX,
with sporty hand-selected perforated leather available as an option.
On the Type-S, the perforated leather is standard.

INSTRUMENTATION
During the day, the large, analog gauges of the RSX appear as
easy-to-read black numerals on titanium-tone metallic backgrounds. At
night, however, the gauges are backlit by a red illumination that
provides excellent acuity while also adding a touch of drama to the
cockpit. Furthering the racy feel of the instrument panel are
"zero-angle" pointers that, like the needles in many racecar gauges,
point straight down to the six o'clock position when at rest.

MATERIALS
The materials employed throughout the RSX cockpit were carefully
chosen to create a stimulating yet luxurious driving environment.
Wrapping the instrument panel is a unique, rubberized geometric-grain
material that feels soft to the touch yet has a warm, "high-tech"
look. Flush-surface panel-joint areas reinforce the high-quality
appearance, while metallic-finished panels on the dash accent the
interior and enhance the advanced look. Rich fabric with simulated
suede trim adorns the seats in the RSX, with handsome perforated
leather available as an option. On the high-performance Type-S, the
perforated leather is standard, enhancing ventilation and
accentuating the car's sporty demeanor.

AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM
For year-round comfort and exceptional convenience, the RSX is
equipped with a standard high-efficiency automatic climate control
system. Operated by three large, easy-to-use dials on the dash, this
integrated system delivers best-in-class cool-down performance while
also reducing power consumption by 9 percent compared with the
Integra. A host of atmospheric sensors provide highly accurate, fully
automatic operation; the system can also be easily overridden
manually using the dashboard controls. Heat-rejecting window glass
helps improve the efficiency of the climate control system. Air
flowing from the dashboard is expelled through stylish "fin-type"
round outlets.

To help ensure a clean, pollutant-free cabin environment, the
automatic climate control system is complemented by a standard micron
air filter that traps dust and other airborne particles before they
can enter the cockpit. The filter, conveniently located behind the
RSX's glove box, can be easily replaced without the need for tools.

AUDIO SYSTEMS
Standard on the RSX is a premium 6-speaker AM/FM audio system with
in-dash CD player. Each of the six speakers has been carefully
located to optimize the unique acoustics of the RSX cabin.
Complementing two dash-mounted tweeters are four side-mounted
speakers that utilize rare earth, neodymium magnets for authoritative
bass response and high output levels with extremely low harmonic
distortion. An antenna etched into the tailgate glass provides
excellent radio reception without the breakage concerns of
conventional pole antennas.

On the Type-S, the standard-equipment list features a high-power
Acura/Bose® music system custom engineered for the acoustics of
the RSX cabin. The Bose system in the Type-S automatically adjusts
tonal balance so that the listener hears natural sounds at all volume
levels.

The unique system couples a sophisticated AM/FM head unit with an
integrated 6-disc in-dash CD changer and cassette player with seven
speakers, including a low-frequency Bose Richbass™ woofer,
strategically placed to create concert-like performance throughout
the vehicle. The RSX's exclusive Bose Richbass woofer, cleverly
located in the spare tire well to help maximize available space,
dramatically increases volume in the low-frequency range. Two 1 1/2-inch tweeters mounted in the dash and four 6 1/4-inch wide-range
speakers located in the doors and rear panels work with the woofer to
help provide full stereo sound for all occupants. The Acura/Bose
system also uses a printed radio antenna in the rear window for a
clean exterior appearance.

KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM / ENGINE IMMOBILIZER
A standard keyless remote entry system allows the driver and
passenger doors and rear hatch to be unlocked by pressing a button on
the key fob. A "panic button" on the keyless remote, when pressed,
activates the security siren and flashes the headlights to summon
assistance in an emergency.

The keyless entry system on the RSX benefits from increased
operating range (up to 30 feet from the vehicle) and improved
security. By using electromagnetic keyless control and frequency
modulation, as well as an anti-copying system for the transmission
code, the keyless entry signal is highly resistant to "cloning."

Complementing the keyless entry system is a standard
engine-immobilizer system. A special electronically coded key
prevents the car from being started - even if a mechanical duplicate
of the key is used. A transponder, built into the key, signals the
immobilizer control unit that the key is genuine. If the car is
hot-wired, or an unauthorized key is used, the engine will not start.

In addition to its standard engine-'immobilizer' system and
copy-resistant keyless entry system, the RSX is equipped with several
other notable anti-theft features. The inside door lock knobs are
recessed when locked, making it extremely difficult to unlock the
doors with a prying tool. A new plastic cover around the lock area
deflects "slim jim" type mechanisms from being used to force the door
lock.

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
For the ultimate in convenience and versatility, the RSX is equipped
with a long list of handy features as standard equipment. These
include:

"Auto-up" power driver's window, which raises the window with
a single press of the window switch (an auto-reverse system halts
the window if an obstruction is detected) and "auto-down"

Dual door pockets: one for CDs or letter-sized papers, one for
concert tickets or other small items

Integrated door grips with soft center pads and elbow-rest
areas

Lightweight and removable rear cargo cover

Rear center tray for sunglasses and other small items

LIFTGATE/CARGO AREA
The integrated liftgate of the RSX provides exceptional ease of cargo
loading, while a generously sized 17.8-cubic-foot cargo area provides
enough room to hold two large suitcases or two 9-inch golf bags even
without folding down the rear seats. With both seats folded down,
cargo room grows to 25.3 cubic feet - enough to accommodate
extra-large items such as bicycles.

The RSX liftgate itself has been optimized with a new damper
mechanism that reduces closing effort by 35 percent compared with the
Integra. The liftgate is further refined with an added inner handle
which lowers the required reach height. A lightweight rear cargo
cover is integrated into the liftgate for easy loading and unloading.